35 captured repliesDiscussion pagination complete · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCH$36.5K for a 996 Coupe Six-Speed?
Reported or suspected cause
solution
Reported cause
No successful repair reported for this finding.
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Read evidence and context
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Discussions that report identifying a cause
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0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Reported cause
That IMSB needs to be done again ASAP unless it was the Solution!
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Suggestion · Original poster
Arctic Silver Metallic over black leather interior, factory-equipped with the Aerokit, H&R Sport springs and muffler bypass pipes, and has clean Carfax.
Leading evidence: 'solution' (1 discussions report identifying this cause; no attributable repair resolution). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is 'solution' (1 discussions; 1 report identifying it and 0 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Clean carfax' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
Source reports, not a diagnosis or a success probability. Counts refer to discussions and can overlap.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
The owner at the time installed the IMS ceramic bearing (not permanent solution) soon after knowing that the new engine may develop the same problem.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
This can truly be repaired by installing an LN IMS Solution.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
The VIN seemed to fall into the range that was covered by that law suit and Porsche replaced the engine.
Replace ims bearing, clutch kit, and rear main seal
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
No successful repair reported for this finding.
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Reported fixes
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Unsuccessful attempts
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Discussions
Read evidence and context
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
The IMS bearing, clutch kit, and rear main seal were replaced in 2012.
These are separate views of the same evidence. Frequency alone does not establish a fix, and these counts must not be added together.
Clean carfax
No successful repair reported for this finding.
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Discussions that contain suggestions
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Suggestion · Original poster
Arctic Silver Metallic over black leather interior, factory-equipped with the Aerokit, H&R Sport springs and muffler bypass pipes, and has clean Carfax.
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Suggestion
This is why many just change the IMS as a preventative measure because it makes no sense to do all that work, for an inspection that leaves no level of certainty, just to put it all back together.
Counts describe captured discussions, not unique people or a diagnosis. Author identities are not reliably stored. Exact duplicate evidence is counted once across matching discussions; one discussion counts at most once per action/state. Multiple repairs reported together remain a combination. Suggestions and failed attempts do not establish a fix. Matches cover whole discussions and can include related faults, model variants and incomplete threads.
35 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
0 evidence records excluded for query context · 0 excluded by outcome qualification · 0 adjusted by outcome qualification.
1 acknowledgements have no verified action link; they do not establish a repair result.
Outcome without a verified action link
I have NEVER heard of anyone having to perform such repair twice as the first remedy did the trick.
Considering the purchase of a 38k-mile 996 Carrera Coupe 6-Speed.
Vehicle has factory aero pkg, is
Arctic Silver Metallic over black leather interior, factory-equipped with the Aerokit, H&R Sport springs and muffler bypass pipes, and has clean Carfax.
The IMS bearing, clutch kit, and rear main seal were replaced in 2012.
Asking $36,500. Of course a PPI is in order. Is there anything else to take into consideration?
Thanks in advance!
I have a 2004 996AE
PSS10
IMSSolution
32k mile two owner
Luggage all four pieces
6GT3 wheels and originals
6GT3 Euro seats and originals out at 28k mi
Fisters and originals off at 28k mi
Mint
I wouldn't sell for 36k
Well sorted, with receipts and a clean deep PPI 36k gets you a hell of a good car
Good luck and keep us posted
02/99 production date, and service records provided since 2008.
Mileage at the stated 2012 major service is yet unknown, and which IMS bearing used is also yet unknown.
From preliminary research it is a recommendation to replace the clutch pack since you have to have it all removed to service the IMS/RMS?
These are all great inquiries, and I shall write them down to ask the owner
Some great insight, and thank you.
There are a few select 996 models that clearly exceed that range, and you are a lucky owner of one for sure.
I really want a 3.6L model year, and I just love the flat six. Both of my current P-Cars are flat-six, N/A 3.8's.
Perhaps adding a 3.4 to the stable would be super fun.
I really want this car as a DD, but I know that will prob kill its future value.
Sincerely appreciate your insight.
Do you have a list of the other factory options on it? Clutch is recommended since the trans has to be dropped, but on lower mileage some forego and some will replace. The fact they replaced the clutch at the same time was a smart decision IMO.
$36.5k seems a bit high, but factory aero (and 996's in general) are starting to climb, so the days of cheap 996's may certainly be over.
I am almost certain that the solution was not an option in 2012. With such low mileage, I may have to agree about changing it again (and doing the solution), but I have little data to go off regarding the true life of an aftermarket IMS bearing.
Per LN Eng web site the retro-bearing had time and milage lifespan. U r well over the replacement time frame. Basic theory is that oil that sit is bad for the bearing and seals. Their Solution is the only one that doesnt have a time expiration.
That almost exact car has sold on BAT twice now in the last 12 months for exactly $30K. However there is a commission the buyer also has to pay so call it $33K. The silver, aero kit with low miles and up to date maintenance seems to be a consistent at that number. If it had sport seats, LSD, 030 suspension or a non silver color it would be worth a bit more. So $36K ask is a little bit high. If you can get them down to $32-33 range I would call it fair.
This car sold on BaT last June for $30.5K, and your estimate is where I would want to be. I have had a very bad experience with BaT in the past, and I would rather not ever contribute to their profits, lol. Luckily this vehicle is no longer on BaT, but there are a lot of other P-Cars avail.
An awesome air cooled example is my #1 fav, but I need to do much more research as to how to select most reliable model year, etc: fun stuff!
Appreciate your insight.
PPI will not give any indication on the IMS. The transmission needs to be dropped for access, and even then if you pull the bearing you can look at its external components, but you'll never know the wear characteristics of the internals and the actual bearings. This is why many just change the IMS as a preventative measure because it makes no sense to do all that work, for an inspection that leaves no level of certainty, just to put it all back together.
Yep there were 2 more just like it this year that went right at $30K. I don't think you can go wrong with that car especially if you plan to hold on to it longer term. Assuming you can get it for the right price.
Similar to Ferrari's that require engine out service for belt changes, which is a major service, occurring many times over the cars lifespan. While it may be okay to go beyond, there's a reason the intervals exist, to save one from potentially larger issues. Wear patterns occur whether from regular use or from sitting which needs to be taken into consideration.
Take my advice with a grain of salt as everyone here can tell you to do one thing or another, ultimately you decide what you're comfortable with. I drive mine once or twice a week to ensure all components are moving at operating temps, never sitting for long periods. Probably won't change out at the 6 year mark, and I definitely won't be at the suggested mileage interval, but when the time comes, the solution will be installed. Should have done that from the get go, but at that time, I wasn't sure I was going to keep the car for more than a couple years.
Perhaps we are not on the same page?
I understand a vehicle's required maint schedule, etc as my 981 GT4 with only 5k miles recently had her 4 year svc interval performed (not cheap).
Much like my 991.1 GT3 requires spark plug replacement every 24-months among other things.
To my knowledge the IMS bearing is not considered a required 'service interval' per owner's manual as it's a flawed design?
Why the heck would anyone buy such a car knowing the bearing issue can never truly be repaired?
Much like the well known potential bearing issue on the 2013 and earlier BMW M-Series with the S65 engine. I have NEVER heard of anyone having to perform such repair twice as the first remedy did the trick.
Is this IMS bearing a KNOWN recurring issue? If so, I shall swiftly walk away from any 996 other than the Turbo or GT models.
We're on the same page, just different paragraphs.
It is not considered on a normal service interval per the manual. However, if you have a retrofit installed, then plan on having it replaced in 6 years or 75,000 miles. If you do not want to do this, then the next line will guide you.
This can truly be repaired by installing an LN IMS Solution. No more servicing needed. End of story.
It's a known issue, slightly flawed design, and again, affects a small percentage. You can walk away from an NA 996, but there are other issues to worry about with a turbo, GT, 997, etc.
Makes more sense now, and thank you.
So it looks like I need to politely ask for proof of this "LN IMS" Solution it would seem.
All I want is a classic P-Car to both retain value and be able to put some miles on it: prob not possible, lol!
I am still leaning toward an air cooled 911, but do like this 996!
36k for an M96 with about 30 known causes of catastrophic failure does not make sense when you can get a turbo for not much more. The "other issues " you refer to on the turbos consist of slave cylinder and coolant pipe pinning, both can be done for 3k easy, unlike the 20k + motor rebuild from any one of the 30 catastrophic failure causes. cylinder scoring seems more common than IMS.
good luck in your search, but save headaches by looking at turbos.
Back in March I bought a C2 coupe. 36K miles, IMSB replaced with LN bearing (not the solution) about 3 years ago, 6 speed, full leather interior (seats, dash & door panels there are option codes for each), no aero for $23.5K. It's also slate grey. Not a rare color but at least it wasn't black or silver. I know prices are going up a bit and aero kits are in demand but I don't think prices have gone up 30%+ since I bought mine. The one you're looking at does have more history than mine so that's good.
COVID has also decreased supply and increased demand so used car prices have gone up. It might pay to wait until after it's over but it's a tough call. 996 prices may stay up. IMHO, that car is overpriced. People that mod their cars tend to overvalue what they've done and try to get that $$ back out.
I agree, and I feel that $36k is a bit steep as I noted earlier. The comment about other issues is that no car, as they age, will be problem free. If someone is aware of the very scary 30 modes of failure, and won't ever sleep at night knowing they exist, shouldn't consider buying one. Plain and simple.
There's plenty of 150K NA 996's on the road with the factory bearing. Proper maintenance can avoid these things, but again, costs money. There's no right or wrong answer for any given person, educate yourself as much as possible, and go with what makes you happy.
Some very good insights provided in this thread, and thanks to everyone as this has proven very educational.
I can only imagine that finding an air cooled option for under $40K may prove to be an even more difficult task, but the search is 1/2 the overall experience.
Having bought low and sold high on three 996's, I think that is too much money for the car. Basing prices on BAT is not an accurate way to judge the market.
The reason why you won't find anything in the owner's manual about the IMS service is that it took a class action lawsuit for Porsche to even admit that this issue exists. Definitely a big shame on them. As other's have mentioned, once you decide to address the issue it essentially becomes a service item unless you install the "IMS Solution".
Before I made my purchase I've done a ton of research work and learned that my car had a catastrophic engine failure at about 25k miles into the life of the car. The VIN seemed to fall into the range that was covered by that law suit and Porsche replaced the engine. The owner at the time installed the IMS ceramic bearing (not permanent solution) soon after knowing that the new engine may develop the same problem. Just like Billup, I'm not sure how long I'll keep the car so because I'm due to service the bearing due to age I will go with the retrofit. If I decide to keep the car much longer I will strongly consider the IMS Solution and may elect to do a self install following the steps to a tee. I plan to drive the car a lot so I'm sure the miles will rack up and not worried about it. It's the low mileage cars that are the scary and questionable ones.
Best of luck with your search and I agree that the hunt is part of the fun. The 996 is a great platform and it is starting to be recognized and appreciated as it should. Turbo cars are fantastic too but I really wanted an NA experience as it's a dying breed. Everything these days is turbo or a hybrid. I recently saw some Turbo Porsches at the track and still think they sound like a Dyson lol. Something about a flat six screaming at 7k rpms puts a smile on your face. Finally, a lower priced air cooled car will probably have some serious miles on it. There is nothing wrong with that but those engines will require a rebuild at some point too and those are not cheap either, if not more.
Regarding both retaining value and putting miles on it: I think that's certainly possible to a certain extent. I park my 996 on the street and use it as a daily driver, also in winter and snow. Of course it would keep its value better if I would leave it in a heated garage all the time. But now I can use all the time and have so much more fun! My advice is to buy the 996 you like, use it as a daily driver, enjoy it, and not worry about selling it later. Unless something catastrophic happens, it will always more or less retain its value. But that shouldn't be your guiding principe.
No. The LN IMS Solution is...., the permanent solution.
The retrofit still carries a 6 year or 75,000 mile change interval. This is LN's recommendation, if you go beyond or short on either is your own call.
